Kami, the HIV positive muppet

Sesame Street is really all over the world. Part of the reason I love them so much is their positively ambitious quest to give children all over the world positive role models and educational programming that might level the playing fields. In their quest to provide programming that is positive and relatable to children all over the world, each different show has made up new muppets to serve their viewers. In South Africa, many children are born HIV positive, and having a muppet that experienced the same would provide those children with a role model that they could love and empathize with. Introducing Kami!

Of course American media got hold of this and said sesame st was trying to normalize HIV and homosexual behavior. Really!

But I think it is truly great. Sesame St has always pushed boundaries. In 1969 it was the first kids show to feature a multi-racial cast and have an urban setting. Now, in places like South Africa, there are characters that have to deal with real life problems that affect children and deal with it in an age appropriate way.

Related

Really? She didn’t expect U.S idiots to be so hateful and mean? I fully expect that. Seriously, Pat Buchanan is completely out of touch. So what if a kid asks their parent about HIV…god forbid a parent talk to their children about drugs and sex. HIV is a prevalent in South Africa and that fact remains regardless if there is a muppet on Sesame Street with HIV. It is important for children to be exposed to these things and be able to ask questions about important issues such as HIV so they are more informed and don’t grow and say ignorant statements such as those spoken by Pat Buchanan. While Mr. Buchanan calls it perversion, I think it is absolutely necessary. It’s called education.